Meaning & Definition of word "Schwa"

Schwa

/ʃwɑː/

1. The mid-central vowel sound represented by the symbol 'ə' in the International Phonetic Alphabet, commonly found in unstressed syllables.
- Example: In the word 'banana', the first 'a' is pronounced with a schwa.
2. A vowel sound that occurs in many languages in unstressed syllables, often represented by an 'e', 'a', or 'o' in English.
- Example: Many English learners struggle to recognize the schwa sound, which appears frequently in casual speech.
3. The most central position in the vowel space, typically represented by the phonetic symbol [ə].
- Example: The color of the schwa in a phonetics chart indicates the neutral position of the vowel.
4. A type of reduction that occurs in unstressed syllables where a full vowel is replaced by the schwa sound.
- Example: In rapid speech, the word 'chocolate' is often pronounced with a schwa in the second syllable.

The term derives from the Hebrew word 'שווא' (shva), which means 'emptiness.'

schwa sound:

The vowel sound represented by the symbol [ə] in the International Phonetic Alphabet.

schwa syllable:

A syllable that contains a schwa sound and is typically unstressed.

vowel:

A speech sound made by the vocal cords without any closure in the vocal tract.

unstressed:

Not given emphasis in pronunciation.

Meaning: When someone mispronounces a word by using a schwa incorrectly.

Example Sentence: He pulled a schwa by saying 'libary' instead of 'library.'

Meaning: Referring to a sound that is difficult to articulate or unclear.

Example Sentence: That word has too many schwas, I can't figure out how to say it.